Please review the excursions outlined below and select one for your Rio experience.
Choose the excursion that appeals to you the most for your time in Rio.
Rio: Option 1
Secrets of Old Rio
Rio’s historic downtown showcases remarkable colonial architecture and vibrant culture. This walking tour explores the heart of the old city, ending at the colorful Selarón Steps.This is an unusual walking tour which gives visitors a feeling for the legends and stories woven around the narrow streets and old historical buildings of downtown Rio. The walk includes a visit to many interesting points, such as the São Bento Monastery, Candelaria, Praça XV, the "Travessa do Mercado", Imperial Palace (Paço Imperial), the cultural centre located in the beautifully-restored Banco do Brasil, the Casa França-Brasil, Ouvidor Street and Gonçalves Dias Street with the traditional Colombo Coffee Shop. The walk continues on down Uruguaiana Street, Carioca Square up to the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Itinerary
09:00: Meet at the hotel’s lobby with our English-speaking guide. Departure by bus to Rio Downtown.
09:40: A combination of walking tour & bus orientation in downtown including visit to Selarón Steps
12:00: Lunch at Cais do Oriente Restaurant
13:30: Transfer by bus to the Hotel.
Fitness Level
Level 2 – Moderate. Walking on cobblestone and uneven streets.
Travelling Time
Each bus transfer: approximately 30 minutes to 1h
Additional Information
Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Bring sun protection.
Rio: Option 2
Selaron Steps and Maracana Stadium
A day combining artistic vibrancy and football history: explore Selarón's colorful steps and experience an internal visit to the legendary Maracanã Stadium. Opened in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup, Maracanã is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. It has witnessed some of football’s most historic moments, including World Cup finals and performances by international music legends. During the guided visit, you will explore areas such as the locker rooms, players' tunnel, the sidelines of the pitch, and the museum dedicated to the rich history of Brazilian football.Enjoy a delightful culinary experience in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, perfect for those interested in discovering Catalan culture and Spanish gastronomy.Head to the iconic Maracanã Stadium and discover the home of Brazilian football. Originally built for the 1950 World Cup, this incredible stadium was redeveloped ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. On this inspirational tour you will go behind the scenes and see the locker rooms, press boxes and the museum with its fascinating exhibits dedicated to the history of the ‘beautiful game’.
Itinerary
09:45: Meet at the hotel’s lobby with our English-speaking guide. Departure to Selarón Steps.
10:45: Visiting Maracanã Stadium – Duration approximately 1 hour
12:00: Transfer to Cais do Oriente Restaurant
12:30: Lunch at Cais do Oriente Restaurant.
14:00: Transfer by bus to the Hotel.
Fitness Level
Level 2 – Moderate. Walking on uneven streets and inside stadium.
Travelling Time
Each bus transfer: approximately 30 minutes to 1h
Additional Information
Comfortable walking shoes suggested. Light clothing recommended.
Guests will be welcomed into a professional kitchen by an expert local chef, who will introduce the dishes to be prepared during the class. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients, you will learn how to create a selection of traditional Spanish tapas as well as the iconic paella — skills you can easily recreate at home.
Throughout the session, the chef will share insights into the origins of classic Spanish dishes, along with fascinating tips, techniques, and culinary traditions that define Spanish cuisine.
At the end of the class, guests will sit down to enjoy a relaxed lunch, sampling all the dishes prepared, accompanied by local wines. This interactive experience promises to be both informative and entertaining, offering a memorable taste of Spain.
Rio: Option 3
Carnival Behind the Scenes
Get an insider’s view of Rio’s Carnival through a dynamic visit to the Grande Rio Samba School with workshops in samba dance and percussion instruments.This tour will introduce you to the artistry and imagination involved in the creation of Carnival. You will witness the construction and production process of thousands of costumes and incredible floats. This experience includes: a visit to Grande Rio Samba School warehouse to discover the secrets behind the making of carnival; getting up close to gigantic floats; explanation about the history of Samba and the intricate details of the Carnival Parade; a chance to dress up in past carnival costumes; experience the music and enjoy a welcome Caipirinha drink. As you can’t leave Rio without trying at least a few steps of our most representative dance, the samba, this tour will include a quick introduction to the rhythm. Your workshop at Grande Rio will be conducted by a talented "passista" of Pimpolhos, their children’s samba school. She will show you the basic steps to get you on the dance floor, they will also show you how to play the instruments that are part of the magic of a samba school’s percussion section.
Itinerary
09:00: Meet at the hotel’s lobby with our English-speaking guide. Departure to Grande Rio Samba School.
09:40: Arrival at City of Samba (or a little earlier)
10:00: Visiting Grande Rio Samba School; Costume exhibition / Photo opportunity and a Caipirinha Drink
12:15: Lunch at Cais do Oriente Restaurant
13:45: Transfer by bus to the Hotel.
Fitness Level
Level 2 – Moderate. Light physical activity during workshops.
Travelling Time
Each bus transfer: approximately 30 minutes to 1h
Additional Information
Comfortable clothing and shoes recommended for dance and percussion participation.
Rio: Option 4
Spending the day at leisure
I prefer to spend the day at leisure under my own arrangements.
